Ohio EPA director resigns

COLUMBUS -- The head of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has stepped down, and an energy adviser to the governor will serve as interim director until a permanent replacement is named.

Scott Nally, who served in the cabinet-level position since 2011, submitted his resignation letter Tuesday.

"As with life, the appointed position of director is not forever," he wrote. "It is imperative that we know when to step aside and pass the banner to the next leader to carry on the task. It is with my head held high that I submit my resignation effective today."

In a released statement, Kasich praised Nally for his work over the past three years, noting, "I value his counsel and will continue to rely on it."

No other details about Nally's career path were offered, though Rob Nichols, spokesman for the governor, said the administration was aware the resignation was forthcoming.

Nally will be replaced on an interim basis by Craig Butler, a senior policy adviser to Kasich, with a focus on environmental, energy, public utility and agricultural issues. He previously served as a district director in Ohio EPA offices in central and southeastern Ohio.

"I have enjoyed working to develop energy and environmental policies that promote the critical balance of protecting the environment and encouraging business development and job creation," Butler wrote in an introductory memo to EPA staffers Tuesday. "This is often a difficult balance but one that is essential to find and one I look forward to continuing in my new role as interim Ohio EPA director."

Marc Kovac is the Dix Capital Bureau chief. Email him at mkovac@dixcom.com or on Twitter at OhioCapitalBlog.